Next Car Purchase & Thoughts

I always buy a DD that I enjoy to drive and don't worry about depreciation, which has included an e34 M5, TR, 993, e39 M5, Viper, e60 M5, S5 cab, 991s and my current 997.2TTS. I always buy extended warranties, drive ~20k miles per year and try to drive them 100k miles or so before getting a replacement. IMHO, life's too short to drive a car you don't enjoy.

 

Wait. I'm confused. Is this a question about something you might do 2 years from now or is this a problem for now to get through the next two years until you have $90k?

If it's the first, I don't know why this is even something that you're thinking about. Two years is a long time away.

 

If you're commute is a significant one, I'd want something nice to arrive @ home/work feeling as good as I can. So, I think that'd be your option # 2. If you have a relatively easy/short commute, I'd go el cheapo DD & save pennies (option 1) for a great weekend/date/vacation/sneak away from work on a beautiful day car...T

 

Your issue sounds premature if you are thinking to make a change in two years. A lot can happen in 2 years, but I understand, I love to dream too.
That said, imo, & from my knowledge & experience I say:
Your option 1 is not fair - humongous difference between a 360 & gt3 - two different cars for two different purposes. You need to hone in on this option. iow, if you want an exciting and in your face ride, you go 360, otoh if you want a performer, track car, understated you go a gt3. Relative to costs , the 360 has significant annual recurring costs compared to the p-car. That all said. why bog yourself down to a crappy daily driver, ugh. not for me...

Option 2 also mixes different cars. So what is it you want? Go to each of their respective threads and read the differences, plenty of articles highlight the differences and what not. Imo, porsche is super reliable and built w super quality (had a couple) , audi is also reliable (i had a couple 8's) but R-series seems too expensive for what you get, I know nothing of the jag as it is new, I have heard of quality (fit &fin) issues w the gtr and the aston is more comparable to an f-car, delicate. If you are concerned about costs then imo an f-car or aston is not friendly.

Your option 3 is just another version of option 1. iow, 10K-15K for a dd is same as maintenance costs to keep your 335 alive during an f-car ownership. f430 slightly less annual recurring costs than 360 but more up front money to get into. Neither car is a realistic dd (i had a 430). Again if you are concerned about costs (upfront & recurring) be very careful of the exotics. read more, ask more.

Fun thread, good luck.

 

35-40 minutes in Houston traffic = not traffic.

 

Okay. Got it. Well, if it helps you make up your mind, my daily driver is a 2001 BMW 325 wagon with 130k on it. I like the idea of driving a nice car every day but I don't like the application of it. An older understated car lets you go anywhere, anytime. I had a 911 C4S for a while as my DD but I found myself borrowing my neighbors Camry for dates and such or another's SUV to carry things.

My inexpensive wagon solves all kinds of problems and if it's ever a nice day and I want to drive a nice car, I have a few to choose from plus I don't to worry about wear and tear on a nice car, drive in bad weather, etc. It just seems to make better sense financially, too.

 

I bought my little bug (Abarth) on a whim (never even drove one, and I knew I'd be able to change anything I didn't like about it) for 9K off sticker in March. It has turned out to be (with a few modifications) one of the most fun cars I have owned. You can pick up a decent one for well under 15K and if you want to throw another 4K at you will have a car that it a real blast to drive.

 

I'd keep driving the 335, it's not like it'll be worth anything in 2 years anyway. My dd is an'01 740il with 150k miles. Nice, comfortable car that I enjoy spending time in and no worries about depreciation or where I park it (other than maybe whether it will fit). I've played around with other 'cool' cars as a dd but it never ended up being what I thought it would be. My favorite of those was probably a wrangler that I put 110k miles on, wish I still had that one but it got impractical once kids got into the picture.

 

I would do a Turbo PDK as a DD. But the ZR1s have my attention, and at their price point look like a great value in a world class car. I have a hard time seeing a ZR1 as a DD, so I'd have a Bimmer around. Might as well be an M5.

So, for me it would be a $20K M5 and a $70K ZR1.

Or the Turbo PDK.

 

Hmm, a chance to purchase something reliable, crazy fast and politically incorrect as a dd. Hellcat Charger . Bonus - park it anywhere without a concern....

 

Work some magic, sell the bmw or keep it on life support and buy a 360 CS ASAP.

It'll be worth more in 2 years time, so any finance will work out in your favour.

 

Nothing wrong with delayed gratification. Keep your nose to the grindstone and save those pennies until you can actually get your dream car.

It sounds like you're already a few years out so there's nothing wrong with adding a few years to that.

 

It is a Fiat 500

 

I rented a 500c for three weeks and it was a revelation ( outside of it being auto). I'd buy a C in a minute if my Saab died (which won't occur for another decade or thereabouts, Baby Blue is a tank!).
Charger too heavy ? New Stang with IRS ?